GTA 6 Delay Sparks Joy For EA, Differing Reactions For Others

The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a variety of reactions across the gaming industry, with EA expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers navigate the shifting landscape. Dive into the details to understand EA's perspective and how other developers are responding to the GTA 6 delay.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

EA has solidified the release window for Battlefield following the announcement of GTA 6's delay. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 release. Wilson expressed satisfaction with the timing, noting that the delay of GTA 6 has provided a clearer path for Battlefield.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson highlighted the difficulty of moving release dates forward. He emphasized that few companies could adjust their schedules to avoid GTA 6's original window. However, he was pleased with how things have unfolded for Battlefield, which will now launch two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with the challenge of scheduling releases around GTA 6's anticipated launch. With the delay, many developers are recalibrating their plans, but EA feels confident about Battlefield's new position.

Wilson elaborated, "Relative to Battlefield, what we have said all along is we’ve been building towards a window that we thought made the most sense for Battlefield. But we wouldn’t launch into a window that we thought truncated the value that we’ve invested into the franchise, or the value that we think our players will derive from it once they jump in and start playing."

He affirmed that the "window is clearer than it was before" and expressed enthusiasm for Battlefield's release in March 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Death Stranding 2 Will Come Out Regardless of GTA 6’s Release Window

In contrast, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains steadfast in his approach. During an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima acknowledged the industry's tendency to avoid competing with GTA 6's release. However, he emphasized that DS2's launch date was set long ago and will proceed as planned.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 was initially slated for a November release, prompting other companies to adjust their schedules. He drew a parallel to the film industry, stating, "For instance, if a new Mission Impossible movie were to release in May, others wouldn't be able to compete with that so would move somewhere else."

Despite the industry's general avoidance of GTA 6's window, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's development timeline, aiming for a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is imminent.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many developers, navigating around GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated action-adventure title.

An anonymous executive noted, "We will nudge our releases back or forward three weeks to avoid it. Of course, the problem is everyone is going to do the same. So three to four weeks before or after GTA 6, you’re going to get a load of games dropping content in what they believe will be the safe zone."

On the other hand, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital has boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting developers to adjust their release schedules either to avoid or to directly compete with the open-world giant. GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated game.